Any Clevelander can tell you about the many benefits of being so close to amazing waterways like Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Near the top of the list has to be the view. Lucky for you, Cleveland offers plenty of restaurants that take advantage of that waterfront scenery for a dining experience you won’t soon forget. (You can thank us later.)
Where craft beer and scratch-made cuisine meet, foodies will find Collision Bend. This riverfront restaurant manages to rise to any occasion—from happy hour to tailgate menus. Get meta and enjoy a “Lake Erie Sunset” pale ale while taking in the real thing from the patio.
Aw, shucks! Look no further than Alley Cat Oyster Bar for your fix of slurp-worthy oysters and fresh seafood. This sleek, riverfront restaurant is known for its sumptuous lobster rolls. (Pro tip: visit during happy hour for “can’t beat ‘em” prices and the views to match.)
Situated on the Flats West Bank, Music Box Supper Club beckons with Americana-inspired eats and a healthy dose of riverfront ambiance. The diverse entertainment lineup ensures something for everyone — from geeked-out science gatherings to Beatles-themed brunches and everything in between.
With a plum perch on the Cuyahoga River, there are few better places to watch the world go by than at Merwin’s Wharf. Watch rowing crews and kayakers do their thing as you dine on locally-sourced eats and sip Ohio beers from the comfort of their scenic patio.
Looking for something a bit more refined? Pier W is your spot for fine dining with a side of panoramic views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. This Lakewood-based restaurant is thoughtfully designed to resemble the hull of a cruise ship — offering prime seafood selections and an extensive wine list.
With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the left of you and Lake Erie to the right, Nuevo Mod Mex is one delicious place to be stuck in the middle. Located at the tip of North Coast Harbor, this Mexican restaurant provides a scenic spot to enjoy some habanero jelly guac and tacos.
Nautical vibes and farm-to-table fare are what’s in store at Lindey’s Lake House. This popular riverfront restaurant anchors the Flats East Bank, offering a healthy helping of fun with cornhole, giant chess and life-sized Jenga on its bustling patio.